Allergies

Question 1

Allergy

Answer 1

• maladaptive immune response to an innocuous substance
• true allergy triggers antibody
• common allergies: casein, gluten, corn, soy eggs, animal dander, peanuts, tree nut, fish, shellfish, soy
• allergic symptoms can cause tissue damage
• once a food allergy is diagnosed, food must be avoided!
• read food labels and avoid eating out

Question 2

Allergen

Answer 2

• often a protein

- once in bloodstream, induces antibodies

Question 3

Food Intolerance

Answer 3

• not a true allergy/immune response

- often lack of digestive enzyme

Question 4

Food Allergy Symptoms

Answer 4

• hives
• eczema/asthma (most common conditions with food allergies!)
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• abdominal cramping/pain
• red rash around mouth
• itching/swelling/tingling of mouth/throat
• gas, bloating
• feeling of impending doom
• metallic taste in mouth
• coughing, wheezing
• pale skin (low bp)
• fainting
• trouble focusing

Question 5

Allergies: Contributing Factors

Answer 5

• avoid using/storing in plastic
• cast iron can harbor food particles
• avoid combining sugars w/ proteins
• pesticides, anti-fungal agents, molds
• cross-reactivity
• family tree: allergy to one member of family may result in allergy to whole family

Question 6

Pulse Testing (for IgE)

Answer 6

• sit quietly for 10 mins
• determine resting pulse
• ingest suspected food
• measure immediately, then at 10 and 30 mins
• significant increase or decrease (10 or more beats/minute) indicates probably sensitivity

Question 7

ELISA

Answer 7

• Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay
• IgE in serum
• ELISA/ACT for delayed reactions (IgG)

Question 8

ALCAT

Answer 8

• Antigen Leukocyte Cellular Antibody Testing
• assesses WBCs before and after exposure to antigen
• changes in cell size and number —> reactivity

Question 9

MRT

Answer 9

• Mediator Release Test
• goes beyond ALCAT
• assesses release of chemical mediators of inflammation associated with foods

Question 10

RAST

Answer 10

• Radioallergosorbent Test

- measures serum IgE only

Question 11

Scratch/Skin Prick Test

Answer 11

• small amount of allergen scratched into skin
• left for 10-30 mins
• checked for inflammation
• reliability depends on multile factors
• not all foods show measurable immune response - but cause gut irritation nonetheless

Question 12

Applied Kinesiology (AK)

Answer 12

• muscle testing

- subject holds food in one hand or against abdomen

Question 13

Allergy-Associated Conditions

Answer 13

• asthma
• bronchitis
• addiction
• arthritis
• leaky gut
• IBS
• headache
• fatigue
• weight issues
• sinusitis
• chronic ear infection
• hypertension
• dermatitis
• depression

Question 14

Food Sensitivity

Answer 14

• delayed allergic reaction